LARVICIDAL AND SYNERGISTIC ACTIVITIES OF LEMON EUCALYPTUS STEM EXTRACTS AGAINST AEDES AEGYPTI

Abstract

Aedes aegypti is the main vector mosquito for transmitting Zika virus, which causes congenital microcephaly and other debilitating conditions. This study assessed the larvicidal and synergistic activities of Lemon eucalyptus stem extracts against the 4th instar larvae of Ae. aegypti. Stem samples were collected, dried, powdered, and extracted using methanol, hexane, ethyl acetate, and acetone. About 64.3% of the extracts caused moderate larvicidal activity after 24 hours. Hexane and acetone extracts showed the highest activity at 1000ppm. The extracts contained saponins, tannins, steroids, flavonoids, alkaloids and resins. Synergistic studies revealed moderate larvicidal activity for all combinations of extracts at different concentrations. Lemon eucalyptus stem extracts have promising larvicidal and synergistic activities against Ae. aegypti as a safe effective way to stop Zika virus transmission.